THE TRAITORS EPISODE 10 - THE WEIGHT OF DECEIT
Today, our flags will fly at half-mast.
Last week’s cliffhanger led to this being one of the most anticipated television episodes of Q1. The other episodes of TV that have galvanized the masses (or at least, the terminally online) have all been reality shows as well: Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, The Bachelor, Love is Blind, to name a few. Since the end of Succession and Scandoval were happening simultaneously last year, I felt that this was signs of things to come. I haven’t heard anyone talk about scripted series with the same vigor, I wouldn’t even know what the streamers are claiming were watching these days. Is it still Suits? I refuse to believe anyone gives a shit. Anyway, let’s get back to where we last left off with MJ turning her chalkboard to reveal….
She’s voting out Peter. :-( I was frankly surprised. I’ve been on a journey with Pilot Pete, from parasocial enemies to parasocial lovers. He’ll be missed. But I am going to watch that season of the Bachelerotte where he does some things in a windmill. For research.
Everyone is solemn and mournful. MP John says politics are child’s play compared to what they’ve been going through. He’s absolutely certain that he will be sent home because he is absolutely certain that Ms. Phaedra Parks Esq is indeed a Traitor and will be murdering him for vocalizing his suspicions. MJ tries to assuage him, saying that no one knows for sure what will happen that night. Of course, MJ, surely MP John won’t be murdered. Even if Phaedra was the Traitor, that would be way too obvious…
And yet.
At breakfast, CT is being extra nice to Ms Phaedra Parks Esq, both because he is in fear for his life and is also very attracted to her. The best position to have a man in. CT then tries to bait her, asking who she thinks was murdered. Suddenly, she turns into Dan (who, even though he’s no longer on the show I will refer to as ‘that weird little man’ which is what someone called him on Twitter) and can’t seem to name any names.
MJ says in a confessional that Pilot Pete brought up a good point when he said he could not be a Traitor because he wouldn’t off his allies one by one. MJ coming to this conclusion in a confessional in the penultimate episode leads me to further believe my hypothesis that these people actually fucking suck at this game.
At last, it’s revealed that the Dear John letter was in fact addressed to dear MP John. By this point, everyone seems to have decided that Phaedra has to be the Traitor, but only must figure out how to go about it.
Sandra and Phaedra Parks Esq play a large game of chess. Meanwhile, Trishelle tries to charm her way into the hearts of the Bravo women by being the biggest bitch imaginable. They were already suspecting and willing to vote for Phaedra, then in comes Trishelle’s MTV ass: “Hey, so are you guys ready to talk logic and reason or..?” Crickets. Then Kate responds in my favorite passive-aggressive mean girl way: “Are you okay?” (alternatively, you can also tell someone they are acting weird, the point is to disarm your enemy).
They arrive at a pond to do the Challenge, where Alan Cumming is wearing a beret, a gold foiled-coat and Hunter boots. Chef’s kiss. They have to hop along a bunch of floating platforms. Zzzzzzzzzz. MJ wins the Shield somehow and they get $28,500. Now back to the show!
Back at the house, Kate, MJ and Sexy CT have a meeting. Kate, an actual Traitor, decides to use this opportunity to keep watering the seed of doubt that not only Phaedra is a Traitor, but so could potentially be Sandra and Her Brace. Therefore, wouldn’t it be smarter to roll the dice and save the known Traitor for a final sacrifice?
Sandra’s ear’s must’ve been rining while eating dirty mac and cheese with Sheree, because she stands up and goes to join them after seeing the three whispering through the window. Sandra’s gameplay is so wonderful, and she’s really shining in these final episodes. More on this later…
There’s a tense one-on-one between Sheree and Ms. Phaedra Parks Esq. This is where the show starts to get into Game of Thrones territory. Sheree lets her know that the walls are closing in, and Phaedra is having a difficult time naming names. Sheree asks her point-blank: Are you a Traitor? Phaedra balks. “I’m sorry, what?” Sheree asks again. Phaedra sighs, and lets out a weak: no.
~~~~folllow me down into the valllley night~~~~
Time for the Round Table.
By now, Ms. Phaedra Parks Esq is meek. They all give their reasons. Sheree and Phaedra are near tears, Sheree is practically begging her to say anything. Then Phaedra hits us with he most devastating line: “I’m very exhausted. And it just gets to a point where you get tired of fighting.”
Kate’s furious. She was recruited to be Traitor on a sinking ship and now the person who recruited her is basically leaving her to clean up the mess.
Sheree reveals her vote for Phaedra in tears, devastated to have to turn against her friend of thirty years. These women better both be on next season of RHOA or so help me, I will be the next person to sue Andy Cohen.
Next up is a fantastic monologue from Kate Chastain: Phaedra, my vote is for you. Because there is not a person at this table besides you that I could even stomach voting for. In this game, you’re more selfish than skillful. It’s not fun to play with people who play that way.
Phaedra doesn’t know what to say. Kate gagged her a little. “Selfish?” she questions. But girly just wants to take a nap.
MJ also votes for Phaedra.
CT and Phaedra go out with one last rom-com moment, having voted for each other. Phaedra calls it a vote for girl power. CT calls her a sexist. CT reveals he voted for Phaedra because she ‘came here to be the exact opposite of what she is in real life. And I think you’ve been the best Traitor we’ve seen yet.’ with those twinkling baby blues <3
Phaedra is voted out. Next, is the finale. Kate wants to throw the suspicion on Sandra. But Sandra and Her Braces have some questions for Ms. Kate, and what exactly she meant by calling Phaedra selfish.
Notes & Quotes
“I don’t think he’s old, I just think people in England don’t get Botox.” MJ on MP John who is, in fact, 61.
“I do feel like I’m on a dating show now. Girls, after today’s mission, the winner gets to have a little one-on-one lunch with me.” Sexy CT after realizing he’s the only man left.
“Kate is smart. But do I think she’s smarter than me? Yes. Yes I think she’s smarter than me.” MJ
Phaedra standing in the Circle of Truth with her cute little boots<3
Predictions
Hard to say! I want to say The Faithfuls will win. Sorry Kate! I think it really depends how Kate navigates the Sandra of it all, and if she has an opportunity for one more murder which could make Sandra even more suspicious.